Philo Gubb: Correspondence School Detective

New York, New York: Houghton Mifflin Company, 1918. First Edition First Printing . Hardcover. Very Good+/No Jacket. The story that introduced Philo Gubb, aka the "hard-boiled egg,'' who obtained his detective credentials via Correspondence School of Detecting. Like that other famous detective whom Gubb much admired, Sherlock Holmes, his creator tried to kill him off, but readers insistently demanded more adventures. First appearing in Redbook magazine in 1913, this edition from Sept.1918 marks his first appearance in book form. In 353 pages with pen-and-ink full page illustrations throughout text by artist Rea Irvin (?), all present & flawless. A FIRST EDITION, first printing, this hardcover 8vo has bold yellow cloth-covered boards with an elaborate design of Philo in his office meeting with an unknown woman stamped to front cover, with black lettering & design. Condition is VG+: light soil, dust dulling to exterior page edges, & a few random spots, else very clean, binding straight & strong, both hinges intact, pages creamy white with mild tanning to edges. Tissue guard intact at title page. Our photos depict the Exact book you will receive, never "stock" images of books we don't actually have on hand. Same day shipping on all orders received by 2 pm Pacific time (PST); later orders, weekends & holidays ship very next business day.